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In yet another series of moves in a busy three day period for the Texans, Houston is planning to release or trade quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and has extended slot receiver Damaris Johnson on a one year contract.
Release him RT @jpilutti94: @RapSheet what will they do with Ryan Fitzpatrick?
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2015
If Texans release Ryan Fitzpatrick -- or possibly trade him considering the market -- they'll save $3.25 million. Has one year left on deal.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) March 9, 2015
I#Texans have re-signed WR Damaris Johnson
— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) March 9, 2015
Damaris Johnson one-year Texans deal $1 million, $850,000 salary, $12,500 roster bonus per game active up to $150K, $100K of salary gtd.
— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) March 9, 2015
Fitzpatrick is coming off of the best statistical season of his decade long career – which is not saying much, to be honest – and will likely be replaced by one of either Ryan Mallett or Brian Hoyer, who both inked or are expected to ink deals with the Texans. Though, for all of his averageness, not enough words can be said about Fitzmagic’s character, work ethic, and leadership during a rough transition period for this team. He will be sorely missed if only for his presence in the locker room alone. I truly do wish him the best wherever he ends up.
Damaris Johnson had an unspectacular, yet also not terrible, year in the slot for the Texans as the fourth or fifth option on most passing plays behind Andre Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins, Arian Foster, and whichever opposing defensive back happened to intercept the throw. Bill O’Brien is famous for his love of deadly receiving options in the slot, however, so do not be surprised if Houston targets one of the many small, fast, ridiculously effective wideouts in this year’s draft class to bolster the position.
What do you think of these moves, BRB? Are the Texans now set at quarterback in the future? How high should they look to draft another slot receiver if Johnson doesn’t work out?